10 car emergency must-haves for every driver

by Micaela Allen
January 19th, 2016

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Don’t leave yourself vulnerable and unprepared when you find yourself in a car accident or breakdown. Keep you and your family safe with these essential emergency items.

You might think you’re immune to emergencies on the road because you’re a careful driver or you keep up on auto maintenance. However a roadside emergency can happen to anyone at anytime. Don’t leave yourself vulnerable and unprepared. Along with the proper car insurance policy and roadside assistance, the following items are must-haves for any car owner.

Portable Jump Starter

(Amazon, $80)

Small enough to fit in your glovebox, powerful enough to start a dead battery. This jump starter goes beyond just charging your car. It also charges your phone and other devices when you end up needing more assistance.

Resqme Escape Tool

(Amazon, $10)

A lifesaver on a keychain. The Resqme escape tool functions as both a seat belt cutter and window breaker should you ever find yourself in a watery car accident. It only takes two minutes for a car to become fully submerged in water, so don’t go without this easy to use and always on hand tool.

Printed Map

You might think this is a little old school, especially if you have a GPS tracking device or app on hand. But if those batteries die this will be your chance to find your way to the nearest gas station or phone. Technology is convenient, but don’t become completely dependent on it.

Headlamp

(Amazon)

Don’t be left in the dark when involved in a car emergency at night. A headlamp is small enough to fit in your glove compartment and will make car repairs and yourself more visible on the side of the road.

Cat Litter

No, your cat isn’t joining you on your road trip. In a snow or ice patch, cat litter acts like sand (and weighs less too) in the way that it creates traction between tires and the road.

Compact Shovel

Small enough to fit in your trunk, this handy shovel can be used if your car is ever stuck in the snow or mud.

Tire Sealant

(Amazon)

Although keeping a spare tire in your car is smart, it’s also takes up a lot of trunk space. Tire sealant allows you to skip the tire change and plug flat tires temporarily and quickly.

Emergency Blanket

(Amazon)

If you find yourself in a situation where you can’t get your car back on the road, be prepared to wait for help. Emergency blankets are lightweight and can be purchased in packs. Emergency blankets reflect more body heat and are all-weather proof, making them better than regular throw blankets from home.

Empty Gasoline Container

If you’re lucky enough to have your car run out of gas in walking distance of a gas station, having an empty gasoline container will only add to your luck. Fill up and get yourself back on the road.

A Little Extra Cash

In the digital age of credit and debit cards, a lot of us don’t carry cash anymore. Don’t put yourself in a situation where you can’t afford supplies in an emergency. Keeping some cash in a safe place in your car will come in handy when you’re miles from an ATM.